This is the real secret of pleasant society.

The Bargee Bill, whom the children had found so disagreeable, was considered excellent company by his mates.

He was telling a tale of his own wrongs--always a thrilling subject.

It was his barge he was speaking about.
"And 'e sent down word 'paint her inside hout,' not namin' no colour, d'ye see?
So I gets a lotter green paint and I paints her stem to stern, and I tell yer she looked A1.

Then 'E comes along and 'e says, 'Wot yer paint 'er all one colour for ?' 'e says.